# Scene III explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Pericles, having completed his twelve-month stay in Tarsus, entrusts his infant daughter Marina to the care of Cleon and Dionyza, vowing to remain unmarried until she is wed. Cleon and Dionyza promise to raise her as their own, and Pericles departs for Tyre.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Reunion

Pericles' separation from his daughter Marina and his hope for her future marriage reflect the theme of family bonds and the promise of eventual reunion.

### Virtue and Chastity

Pericles vows to remain 'unscissor'd' and chaste until Marina's marriage, emphasizing personal virtue and devotion.

### Kingship and Governance

Pericles' decision to leave Marina in Tarsus and return to Tyre highlights his responsibilities as a ruler balancing personal loss with political duty.

## Character check-ins

### Pericles

Bids farewell to Cleon and Dionyza, entrusts Marina to their care, and vows chastity until her marriage.

### Cleon

Accepts responsibility for Marina's upbringing, recalling Pericles' aid to Tarsus.

### Dionyza

Promises to treat Marina as dearly as her own child.

### Lychorida

Holds the infant Marina and is comforted by Pericles.

### Marina

Infant daughter of Pericles, left in the care of Cleon and Dionyza.

## Key lines

> My gentle babe Marina, whom, For she was born at sea, I have named so, here I charge your charity withal, leaving her The infant of your care; beseeching you To give her princely training, that she may be Manner’d as she is born.

Pericles entrusts his infant daughter Marina, named for her birth at sea, to Cleon and Dionyza, asking them to raise her in a manner befitting her noble birth.

_Pericles formally hands over Marina's care, emphasizing her royal lineage and his expectations for her upbringing._

> Till she be married, madam, By bright Diana, whom we honour, all Unscissor’d shall this hair of mine remain, Though I show ill in’t.

Pericles swears by the goddess Diana that he will not cut his hair until Marina is married, even if it makes him appear unkempt.

_This vow underscores Pericles' commitment to chastity and his devotion to Diana, the goddess of chastity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se/chapters